Coughing is the body’s natural reaction of the respiratory tract to an irritant in order to protect it. When you cough, air and particles are propelled out of the lungs. It also clears mucus. Anyone can have a cough, no matter their age, however, some people are more prone to getting coughs due to certain medical conditions.
A cough can be described as either wet or dry. Wet cough produces mucus and phlegm, while dry cough does not. Here, we will talk about dry cough and when you should see a doctor for it.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dry Cough?
Dry cough symptoms include a tickling sensation in the throat, itchiness in the throat or chest, and shortness of breath. Chronic dry cough can lead to soreness in the throat, voice changes, and general irritation of the throat and chest.
What Are the Possible Causes of Dry Cough?
Dry cough can be a symptom of many different underlying conditions, some of which may be serious, particularly if it does not go away even with treatment or lingers after the infection has passed.
Some of the most common causes of dry cough are:
- Flu
- Pneumonia
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Allergies
Dry cough can be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid or other medication to help treat the underlying cause of a dry cough.
When to See A Doctor
It can be challenging to diagnose dry cough, because there are many possible underlying causes of it. If the dry cough is becoming a chronic problem, consult a doctor that specializes in pulmonology, a pulmonologist, who can accurately diagnose your condition. Effective treatment of a cough largely depends on the underlying medical condition that is causing the cough. Furthermore, if you have a chronic respiratory disease, you should see a doctor for evaluation, because it could complicate your health even more.
If you have symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, trouble sleeping, feeling fatigued during the day, or an overall decrease in your quality of life because of your dry cough, see a doctor. Severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, a high fever that lasts longer than a day accompanied by chills, and bloody phlegm should also be brought to the attention of a doctor.
While it is considered a medical emergency if you have any of these symptoms, it may not necessarily mean you are in severe danger, so don’t worry, and calmly see a doctor as soon as you can.
Dry Cough Treatment in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, FL
If you have a lingering dry cough or have other symptoms that are proving to be more than bothersome, or if you have a respiratory disease, our physicians at Intercoastal Medical Group can take care of all your healthcare needs. We have internal medicine doctors, pulmonologists, allergists and immunologists on our team, which greatly benefits our patients who are suffering from multiple respiratory issues and other medical conditions. Our experts will use highly advanced methods to find the root cause of your dry cough symptoms.
You can rest easy knowing you are receiving the best medical care in Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch, FL. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, call our location most convenient for you or use our easy-to-fill-out online request form. Our friendly staff can help you find the right doctor quickly.
